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Overview of the Zoning Code

The Portland Zoning Code (Title 33) is intended to implement Portland’s Comprehensive (or long-range) Plan and related land use plans in a manner that protects the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Portland. The boundaries of the base zones, overlay zones and plan districts are shown on the official zoning maps of the City of Portland. The maps also show the location of historical landmarks, special street setbacks, and existing and planned public recreational trails.

Zoning Regulations

There are several types of zoning regulations that may affect a property. You will need to research all of these regulations to determine what is allowed on your property.

Base Zones- All properties within the City of Portland have a base zone. There are residential zones, commercial zones, and employment and industrial zones.

Overlay Zones - Some properties have overlay zones that consist of regulations that address specific subjects in particular areas in the City. For example, the design overlay ‘d’ is applied to areas where design and neighborhood character are of special concern.

Plan Districts - Some areas of the City are located within plan districts that may have additional regulations that can impact a project.

Other Zoning Requirements - Some uses and development types have additional regulations that apply. For example, school uses or parking lots have additional regulations that apply.

Hierarchy of Regulations

In general, an area with base zoning, overlay zoning or an area in a plan district is subject to all of the regulations of each. Where a land division is requested, the land division regulations also must be met.

When the regulations conflict, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the following rules apply:

Plan district regulations supercede regulations in overlay zones, base zones and land division series of chapters.

Overlay zone regulations supercede regulations in base zones and land division series of chapters

Plan districts and overlay zones regulations also supercede conflicting regulations for a specific use or development stated in the additional use and development regulations series of chapters.

The regulations in the additional use and development regulations series of chapters supercede regulations in the land division series of chapters

When regulations at the same level conflict, those that are more specific to the situation apply

The Portland Zoning Code is administered in the City of Portland and in some unincorporated areas of Multnomah County. The zoning code is designed to implement City, regional, state and some federal regulations.